The Measure of a Man: A resource for the ladies…

Taking measurements is a fairly simple process- a soft measuring tape and some basic instructions is all you need. But, measuring the man in your life requires a little more- more permission, more convincing…

“I thought size didn’t matter…”
It is if you want to buy clothes that fit so that you look your best. Specifically, you want your guy to look his best ( a well-dressed man can be an excellent accessory!)

“But he hates shopping…”
He won’t once he knows his actual size. Knowing his actual size will make it easier (and therefore more fun) to shop. A bonus: If you know his size, it will be easier for you to shop & buy him gifts.

Tell him he has your permission to have a Fit…

Start at the top and working your way down. Don’t forget to write everything down as you go so he’ll have the list for later.

1. Collar size: Simply measure around the base of his neck. If he intends to wear the shirt with a tie, the shirt size selected should closely match his exact collar measurement. However, a shirt to be worn without a tie may be purchased slightly larger (by about a 1/2 size) for comfort and a more casual look.
2. Chest size: Have him relax his arms at his sides and measure around the fullest part of his chest with the tape measure just below his armpits.
3. Overarm Measurement: Measure the circumference of his chest and arms (at the highest point of his shoulder blades). Subtract chest measurement from his overarm measurement. This measurement can be useful when buying a jacket or sportcoat- if the difference is 7 inches or greater, we recommend buying jackets one size larger for comfort and a better fit in the upper arms and shoulders.
4. Arm: Have him bend his elbow 90 degrees and place his hand on his hip. Stand behind him and hold the tape at the center back of his neck. Measure across his shoulder to his elbow, and down to his wrist. The total length in inches is his sleeve length.
5. Waist: Measure loosely (so he can breath) around his natural waistline. Many men wear trousers well below the natural waist, under the belly if they carry extra weight around the mid-section- but this can actually make him look heavier than he actually is. For belts, choose a size 1-2 inches larger than his actual waist size.
6. Rise: Rise refers to the distance between the top of a trouser’s waistband and the top of the trouser leg’s inseam (at the crotch). Measure his favorite (and best fitting) pants by measuring along the trouser’s seam , or start from scratch (especially if his pants are too tight or too baggy through the buttocks, crotch and thighs). Guys under 5′9″ often benefit from short rise pants.
7. Inseam: An inseam can be measured using a pair of pants that fit well (see ForTheFit.com’s Style Guide for tips on perfect length). Measure from the crotch seam (where all the fabric meets), down the pant leg all the way to the end. If he does not have a pair of pants of the proper length right now, you’ll need at least pants that fit properly in the waist. From those you can judge where you want the pants to stop. Proper length may vary whether your man is wearing jeans or crisp dress pants, but never by more than an inch and a half. Also, you will want to take the inseam for each leg if you want to have custom pants made because the length may not be the same for each leg. Lastly, if his current trousers are regular rise and you are considering a switch to short rise, keep in mind that the new placement of the crotch will affect the inseam length- adjust accordingly.

And if he’s really stubborn…

• Remind him how much more fun it could be taking measurements with you, than visiting his tailor- Earl
• Bribe him- a favorite meal, a massage, whatever it takes!
• Swap- he can take your measurements next. It can’t hurt (too many women are slaves to the number on the tag- it’s important to know your size, too- Plus, how much better will it be when his gifts to you are actually the right size.)
• Because you said so.
• Feeling frisky? Offer to take measurements… wearing nothing but the measuring tape. We doubt he’ll say no.

Good luck (& Better Fit)!

Stuck for Father’s Day Gift Ideas? Unique and Thoughtful Gifts Abound Online

In case it has slipped your mind, FATHER’S DAY is June 15th 2008! That’s right around the corner!

Shopping for Father’s Day should be a cinch, since you know better than anyone what makes your Dad unique. The trouble is coming up with ideas for gifts as special as he is! My simple two-step process should solve this little dilemma. Plus, if you use web-resources, you may find some quick decisions and expedited delivery options will put the perfect gift in your hands (and on its way to Dad) in time for June 15th!

First, identify your Dad’s unique “Likes”

For the sports fiend…tickets to a beloved sporting event, or to see a favorite team play are always appreciated. If your budget allows, use a ticket broker like StubHub.com to find the best seats you can afford. Also, consider minor league and similar, local sporting events. Tickets to a minor league or training season game can be really inexpensive and just as much fun!

For the food or sugar junkie… Use the web to identify unique gifts he will enjoy. For example, a Dad who loves chocolate, may appreciate personalized M&M’s – you pick the color, the message (hint: try something like “#1 Dad” for Father’s Day), quantity and packaging for a unique gift in a variety of price ranges to suit any budget. Also, if Dad happens to be a baseball fan, M&M’s has just introduced a line of Major League Baseball candies in team colors and logos. Does he have a favorite, hard-to-find confection? Dad may appreciate a gift a gift of his favorite childhood sweets. From Atomic Fireballs to “Big Hunk” bars, you can find most any candy at Nostalgic Candy.com. Also, many unique, small businesses deliver their wares nationwide (beware of high delivery fees, though). My husband often waxed poetic about the ice cream sold on campus at his alma mater, Penn State. A quick Google search revealed I could have a pint of his favorite “Creamery” flavor delivered overnight to Florida for a special Father’s Day treat!

Ties , shirts, pens and mugs… classic Father’s Day gifts can be a fine option, but look for new and clever versions specially suited to your Dad. Is Dad left-handed? Big & Tall? A Shorter Man? Online specialty stores may reveal a wealth of creative options for Dad this Father’s Day. Enter your Dad’s special characteristics into your favorite search engine and see what you find. For example, a search on Google.com of “left-handed products” to find dozens of specialty retailers like Left Hand Zone which offer a variety of great products for left-handed Dads, including the usual like mugs and pens, and so much more. Searches for “Big & Tall Men’s Clothes” and ”Short Men’s Clothes” will find you specialty retailers that offer shirts, ties and other classic gifts, except specially proportioned in your Dad’s own hard-to-find size. Solutions.com is another great site, full of unique finds, whatever the hobby or specialized need.

Step 2: Take your TIME and use you imagination
Combine the above ideas with the gift of your time for a sure-fire hit. Is Dad a left-handed golf enthusiast? Find him a left-handed club, glove or other specialized gear. In addition to your gift, offer to spend an hour with him at the driving range. For the baseball lover, offer to spend an afternoon at a Minor League game. Gift-wrap the tickets together with some cool, retro candy like Major League Chew gum! Buy your 5’7 Dad a pair of perfect-fitting, short-inseam sweats at ForTheFit.com, and offer to accompany him on a few morning jogs. You get the idea- be creative! Your unique gift will let Dad know how much you know and respect who he is, and most of all, that you love him and want to spend time with him on Father’s Day. What better gift is there than that?

Good luck shopping and enjoy your Father’s Day,

Consuelo Bova,

CEO, ForTheFit.com